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The National Theatre's performance of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time came to Harris Academy Rainham recently. Around 160 students watched the performance, including Year 9-11 GCSE Drama students and 50 Year 8 students.

The play tells the story of Christopher Boone, a 15 year old boy who finds his neighbour's dog, Wellington, dead in his garden. Wellington had been killed with a garden fork. Christopher has an extraordinary brain. However, he struggles to understand everyday life due to his autism. Christopher decides he is going to solve the mystery of who killed Wellington.

The play is shown through Christopher’s view of the world using physical theatre and movement, a unit that all Drama students will study.

The performance was followed by a 20-minute Q&A session where students were able to ask the actors questions about the show and the actors' career paths.

Students thoroughly enjoyed the experience of watching a professional high-quality performance in their own school hall. Many have said they have been inspired to go into careers within performing arts. All students were amazed with the high quality of lighting, sound, costume and props that were used during the performance.

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"It was great to see a professional show in our school hall"

What students said...

• “I usually get bored watching a play, but this performance kept me engaged and interested throughout.” Elizabeth, Year 11
• “This production helped me to think about how I can improve my own performance in Drama lessons.” Mollie, Yer 11
• “It was just brilliant, so much to see from start to finish.” Chelsea Jinadu, Year 11
• “I felt completely involved in the show throughout.” – Georgia, Year 11
• “Something very special that I will never forget.” – Harrison, Year 10
• “ Inspirational - it helped me to think about my future career as an actor.” Albie, Year 10
• "It was great to see a professional show in our school hall, the lighting, costume, sound." Andrei, Year 10

Pictures: Richard Davenport